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Solar-Powered Retreat with Wood and Glass Elements for Urban Meditation

Author:
Charles Bloszies
Solar-Powered Retreat with Wood and Glass Elements for Urban Meditation

Project in-detail

Equipped with solar panels and constructed from wood and glass, the cabin offers a dedicated space for meditation in the bustling urban landscape of Tokyo.
5 key facts about this project
01
Solar panels serve as the exterior skin, enhancing sustainability.
02
The cabin features a wood ceiling that promotes warmth and comfort.
03
One wall includes built-in shelving for added functionality.
04
Natural light is maximized through a large glass wall.
05
The design is modular, allowing for flexible placement within the urban landscape.

The Tokyo Meditation Module is a response to the need for quiet spaces in a busy city. Located in various calm areas throughout Tokyo, these modular meditation cabins provide an opportunity for individuals to step away from the noise of daily life. The design focuses on simplicity and utility, creating a refuge for reflection amid the urban environment.

Design Intent

The structure presents a compact box shape that allows for efficiency and a peaceful setting for meditation. Inside, tile flooring lays the ground while a glass wall invites natural light into the space. Three wooden walls, including one with shelving, enhance functionality while maintaining a minimalist aesthetic. The wood ceiling adds warmth, contributing to a comforting atmosphere ideal for introspection.

Sustainability Features

A notable aspect of the module is its integration of solar panels on the exterior. These panels provide energy for the cabin and highlight the project's commitment to sustainability. This use of renewable energy is a practical response to current ecological concerns, making the meditation space not only a haven for users but also a responsible choice in urban design.

User Experience

The interior arrangement promotes a sense of calm and contemplation. Careful consideration of the space makes it inviting, while placed air vents ensure that fresh air circulates freely. This attention to comfort enhances the overall experience, allowing individuals to engage more fully with their thoughts in a dedicated setting for reflection.

Natural Elements

The combination of light, wood, and glass brings a harmonious feeling to the cabin. Natural light filtering through the glass wall plays gently on the floor, creating a soothing atmosphere that supports meditation. In this environment, the meditation module serves not just as a physical space but as a platform for deeper connection with oneself and the surrounding environment.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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Competition organisers

The MICROHOME 10 competition invites participants to submit visionary designs for off-grid, modular microhomes that push the limits of sustainable, small-scale living. Organised by Buildner in partnership with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this tenth edition sets the challenge of designing a dwelling for two people within a maximum floor area of 25 m², encouraging bold solutions adaptable to any urban or rural location. The competition continues Buildner’s mission to foster innovative approaches to compact, energy-efficient housing that can address pressing global challenges.

This year’s edition offers a generous total prize fund of €100,000, including the Kingspan Award for designs that integrate high-performance Kingspan products and the Hapi Homes Award for a project selected for real-world construction. In addition to cash prizes, the winners gain international exposure through Buildner’s media partnerships, publications, and a dedicated MICROHOME magazine, further amplifying their ideas to the wider architectural community.

Key dates for MICROHOME 10 include the closing date for registration on 25 September 2025, the submission deadline on 29 October 2025 (11:59 p.m. London time), and the announcement of winners on 9 December 2025. These milestones ensure participants have clear timelines to develop and present their concepts, with early registration discounts available to support students and emerging designers worldwide.

MICROHOME

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 25 September 2025

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